Tour operators in Nigeria call for return of industry

temitope a

September 28, 2016 9:09 AM

The Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) has called on the Federal Government to bring back an autonomous Ministry of Tourism in the country.

Onung, NATOP president

The organisation made this statement as part of their message to commemorate the World Tourism Day on September 27, 2016.

The president, Nkewerem Onung, on behalf of the organisation said that successful African countries have a dedicated ministry for tourism.

According to the group, countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Gambia should be emulated by Nigeria.

Onung said that lack of of a full-fledged ministry has caused a huge gap in actualising the potentials of the industry in Nigeria.

World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 every year, however, this year, preparations for the celebration was not well communicated to stakeholders in the industry for participation.

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NATOP, through its president also gave its support for a national carrier. saying that it would not only encourage economic growth, but it would enhance tourism.

According to Onung, tourism goes beyond selling flight tickets and building hotels, therefore a ministry that would understand and handle every aspect of tourism is needed.

The organisation called on the government to link the national parks to the tourism sector as South Africa's national parks alone generate more revenue per acre than the agricultural sector.

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